Most rumored deals preceding the NBA trade deadline (Thursday, 1 p.m.) don't materialize, and the ones that are consummated frequently appear without warning.

But what's the point in having a trade deadline if we can't wildly speculate?

In that spirit -- and on the heels of the great news from Laker Land (Magic Johnson calling the shots now? Guess the Lakers aren't going to be a problem for several more years) -- here's one for the Suns fans to follow: bring aboard Paul George for a package of picks and players (not including Eric Bledsoe or Devin Booker).

There appears to be increasing momentum that Suns General Manager Ryan McDonough could be considering a big package of players and picks to acquire a young star, not just another round of "acquiring assets" and ensuring salary-cap room.

Disclaimer: The Pacers have made no mention of seeking to deal George, saying only that they will work to keep him happy.

That said, everyone has a price. The Suns probably have made calls to several targets, perhaps including the Pacers, to acquire a front-line young standout who fits the growth plan.

George, 26 years old, is a 6-foot-9, four-time All-Star who wants to be part of a title contender sooner rather than later. As in: within three years.

The Suns, 49 years old, would like to contend for a title sooner rather than later. As in: within three years.

They have scorers but could use a strong addition, and George averages 22 points and six rebounds per game while hitting 38 percent from 3-point range; they need defense, and George is a lock-down weapon who is a three-time All-NBA defensive player.

What kind of offers could the Suns put together?

They have all of their future first-round picks, plus a 2018 first rounder from Miami that is protected for picks 1-7 in 2018 but becomes unprotected in 2019. In addition, the Suns own Miami’s 2021 first-round pick.

The team’s assets also include 19-year-olds Dragan Bender and Marquese Chriss and 23-year-olds Alex Len and TJ Warren.

Assuming the team defines Booker (20 years old) as virtually untouchable – and Brandon Knight (25) virtually untradeable right now – its other assets include two veterans playing as well could possibly be expected: Tyson Chandler and P.J. Tucker.

A combination of picks and players would seem to be significant enough to start some conversations

Let's say the Pacers ask for two of Bender/Len/Chriss, plus the Suns' 2017 first-rounder.

We saw that it didn't take a ridiculously uneven offer to make the DeMarcus Cousins trade happen.

Suns fans would likely need a young NBA All-Star to support the inclusion of Booker, who may have about 10-12 consecutive All-Star Game appearances on his schedule. So, the only other asset to add would be Bledsoe.

If the Pacers truly aren't interested in moving George at any price, McDonough may try to pry away Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley (18 ppg. and 40 percent from 3-point range) or Detroit Pistons big man Andre Drummond.

The former deal would involve Bledsoe, and the latter likely would cost the Suns Chriss and perhaps Chandler.

Another option, of course, is to stand pat and see what kind of help the draft brings.

Good news: Booker, Chriss, Bender, Len and Warren will be one year older.

Bad news: Tucker, Chandler and Bledsoe will be one year older.

The question: When do the Suns perceive to be their window of contending? When Booker is 22? 24? Later? It’s a tough call whether to push to unload Bledsoe now, and hope a better point guard option comes along in time to fit that window.

Goodbye, Markieff (2016) - The trade: the Suns sent Markieff Morris to the Wizards for a draft pick that would stay with the Wizards if it is in the draft's top nine. The Suns also acquired DeJuan Blair and Kris Humphries. Jeff Swinger/USA TODAY Sports

Salary dump (2015) - The trade: The Suns sent Marcus Morris, Reggie Bullock and Danny Granger to create salary cap space in their pursuit of free agent LaMarcus Aldridge. The Suns received an unconditional 2020 second-round pick from the Pistons for sending out $8.4 million in salary for next season. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Knight added (2015) - The trade: The Suns sent center Miles Plumlee and rookie point guard Tyler Ennis to Milwaukee, and the Lakers' first-round pick to Philadelphia. In return they landed combo guard Brandon Knight from the Bucks. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

IT sent to Boston (2015) - The trade: Isaiah Thomas, on a four-year contract with decreasing salaries, was dealt to the Celtics for Cleveland's 2016 first-round pick and swingman Marcus Thornton, a volume scorer. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Adding a point guard (2013) - The trade: The Suns were part of a 3-team trade with the Bucks and Clippers. As part of the deal, Phoenix sent Jared Dudley to Los Angeles and received Eric Bledsoe and Caron Butler. David Wallace/azcentral sports

Loss of a legend (2012) - The trade: The Suns sent Steve Nash to the Lakers for four draft picks (2 1st-round, 2 2nd-round) They turned the first 1st-round pick into Archie Goodwin and have another first-round pick coming to them. David Kadlubowski/azcentral sports